Calendar

UPCOMING EVENTS: FALL 2017

September 29 – Stevenson 407, 12:30-2 p.m.

In this workshop, Skaggs will present an overview of how semiotics can aid in critique of art and design. Along with discussion on their recently published book FireSigns: A Semiotic Theory for Graphic Design (MIT Press).

October 20 – Stevenson 407, 2-3:30 p.m.

Sabrina D’Souza, Speech Language Pathology, School of Medicine“Motherese” in English, Spanish, and English as a Second Language (ESL)

In this data analysis workshop, D’Souza will share some of their data collection and analysis on “Motherese” in Spanish and ESL speakers and whether “Motherese” has an effect on child language learning. Since the 1960s, researchers have studied how mothers talk to their babies and children. The high pitch, short repetitive phrases characterize what is known as “Motherese”. Little research has looked at “Motherese” in Spanish, let alone English as a Second Language. Therefore, in this experiment, we study audio-visual recordings of Latin-American immigrant mothers, as they talk and play with their children, while speaking in Spanish and ESL. We then compare the data with that of USA-born, native English speaking mothers.

November 3 – Stevenson 407, 12:30-2 p.m.

The data Snyder analyzed includes a short video excerpt of a 2012 performance by stand-up comedian Ali Wong, as well as comments that viewers left in response to this video on YouTube (video link here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oItPQRZ3xpI). Snyder transcribed over five minutes of the six minute clip, which showed Wong using a variety of linguistic choices. In this workshop, we will go over the linguistic choices and discuss the Asian stereotypes that Wong uses in her performance, and whether such use of stereotypes authenticate or deauthenticate Wong’s Asian American identity. Additionally, looking at the YouTube comments will reveal a pattern that shows the intersection of race and gender.